The London Marathon is going to be an emotional time for a Billericay runner who will be running in memory of his baby son who died from cot death.

Matthew Stedeford was only a few weeks old when he died in November 2001 causing great heartbreak for his parents, family and friends.

His father John of Fox Hunters Walk has decided to honour his memory by completing the 26 mile course on Sunday and raise hundreds of pounds for the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID).

And he will be joined on his challenge by close friend Mark Russell, 37, of Hollyford who has taken the place of John's wife Sarah.

This will be the first time both men have taken part in the race and they are both looking forward to the challenge.

Father of two, Mark said: 'A few months ago I decided I wanted to take part and I told John I was going to do it for Matthew and FSID.'

Mark then set about raising enough sponsorship to meet the £1,000 target set by the FSID and the senior lecturer of the University of Hertfordshire added: 'I have been amazed at the generosity of people who have donated to this cause.

'I emailed people at the university and told them the story of Matthew and I have had sponsorship from some people I have never met plus an incredible number of good luck wishes.'

In July, John and Sarah suffered further heartache when a number of treasured toys left on Matthew's grave were stolen by thieves.

Mark added: 'I have been friends with John since we were teenagers. Matthew's death was a complete tragedy and so was the theft of his toys.'

If you would like to sponsor them, call John on 07813 099124 or Mark on 07979 091521.

Published Friday, April 11, 2003

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